Eight Popular Heating Myths Debunked

There are lots of myths out there about home heating that cause confusion and inefficient furnace usage. It’s time to clear up these common misconceptions.

Here, the heating specialists at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning get to the bottom of the eight most common myths to keep your home comfortable and lower your heating bills.

Myth 1: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves on Heating Bills

The concept that closing vents saves on heating spending is a common misconception. But your heating equipment is designed to heat your whole home with a balanced flow of return and supply air. Sealing up some of the vents throws off this balance, possibly leading to pressure buildup, overheating and greater energy use. That is why you should keep at least 80% of your vents open all the time to promote even heating and more efficient energy use. If you’re interested in heating certain rooms more than others, you may be interested in installing a zoning system.

Myth 2: Keeping the Temperature Constant Is More Efficient Than Raising and Lowering It

This myth comes from the idea that reheating a cold house takes more energy than keeping your thermostat at one temperature all the time. Although this has some truth to it, dialing back the temperature sometimes can result in energy savings. The U.S. Department of Energy states that scheduling a 7- to 10-degree setback period for eight hours a day can save as much as 10% on your heating costs. The only time this wouldn’t be true is if you have a heat pump, which employs a backup electric resistance heater during the recovery period. Although, you can overcome this dilemma with a special heat pump thermostat.

The best way to take advantage of setback periods is to put in a programmable thermostat. By doing this, the temperature adjusts back to a comfortable setting before you get home from work or wake up in the morning.

Myth 3: Setting the Thermostat Higher Heats the Home Faster

If you start feeling cold, it may seem enticing to raise the temperature as high as you can. The thought here is that, like pushing down all the way on a gas pedal, raising the temperature higher heats the home more rapidly. But the simple truth is your heater works at the same rate regardless of how high the thermostat is set. If you’re cold, put on a sweater and turn up the temperature a degree or two to avoid overheating your home and wasting electricity or fuel.

Myth 4: Space Heaters Work Great for Cold Spots

Using space heaters to overcome cold spots is not the best long-term remedy to a heating problem. Your HVAC system is designed to heat your entire home, so if there are cold rooms, this is a sign there is an issue with your insulation or ductwork. Plus, space heaters can be a danger if operated unattended. They also consume a lot of electricity, leading to increased energy bills.

Myth 5: You Don’t Need Preventive Furnace Maintenance

It’s a common misconception that if your HVAC system is working, everything is fine, and it doesn’t need a tune-up. Along those same lines, many homeowners think that a new furnace doesn’t have to have annual maintenance for the first few years. However, all furnaces can use regular maintenance, regardless of how old they are. Seasonal tune-ups encourage efficiency, prevent breakdowns and can extend system life span. A maintenance call is also the ideal time for a specialist to find and repair minor issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.

Myth 6: Wait for the Furnace to Break Down Before Replacing It

Even though you want to use your furnace for its entire life, waiting for it to break down completely is not advisable. Preventive furnace replacement avoids an emergency during frigid weather. Certainly, it’s an investment, but new, more energy-efficient furnaces can save you a great deal on your energy bills and enhance overall home comfort.

Myth 7: When It Comes to Furnace Size, Bigger Is Better

When it comes to HVAC systems, it’s not a good idea to pick the biggest unit possible. An oversized furnace can lead to frequent cycling, which is inefficient and wears out the system sooner. Call a trusted heating and cooling professional, like the crew at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, who can help you find an ideal furnace for your home based on factors like square footage, layout and climate.

Myth 8: The Furnace Brand Is the Most Crucial Decision

While the manufacturer is important, the installation service provider is actually more critical. Correct installation is crucial to efficient and effective operation. Research and select an experienced and reputable company for furnace installation to get the most out of your investment.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Heating Service in Fort Lauderdale

Now that you know the cold, hard facts behind these heating myths, you’re ready to experience a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in Fort Lauderdale. For more help, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can fix all your comfort problems with quick, lasting solutions. Our work is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning we’re not satisfied until you are. For skilled service that makes a real difference in your life, get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Call 954-736-4314 today to schedule an appointment!

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